A Family Dentist Shares How to Save a Tooth That Gets Knocked Out

family dentist Los Gatos, CA

According to one family dentist, just because someone loses a tooth does not mean there is no way to save it. In fact, if you lose one, you have several options. Whether knocked out in a car accident, while playing sports or due to tooth decay, do not despair. Start by looking at the tips provided and talking to your dentist.

Unfortunate things happen

Although having a tooth fall out is heartbreaking, it is not the end of the world. In fact, by following a few simple steps, there is a good chance of saving it. The last thing a person wants to do is randomly pick it up. Instead, the tooth has to be handled correctly. That alone will make a big difference in achieving success.

Handle with care

After losing a tooth, some people grab it quickly, placing it in a pocket or purse. That is not the correct way to handle it. Instead, the individual needs to gently pick it up by the crown, not the roots. The goal is to avoid touching the roots to prevent further damage. With that done, the individual can move on to the next step.

Rinsing the tooth

After picking up the tooth, an individual should rinse it. In this case, they would place a soft towel in the basin of the sink. That offers protection just in case the tooth drops. Rather than brushing or scrubbing it, a careful rinse is the only thing required. Instead of water, whole milk, saliva or a saline solution works great. For the latter, the only thing needed is a cup of water mixed with one-quarter teaspoon of salt.

A family dentist suggests putting the tooth back in its socket

After rinsing the tooth, the individual can try to set the tooth back in its socket. It should fit securely in place. To help, the dentist recommends gently biting down or pressing on the tooth with a piece of gauze. The purpose is to make it more secure. Often, this works quite well. However, if the tooth fails to fit properly, the person needs to move on to the next step.

Soaking the tooth

The individual needs to partially fill a zippered plastic bag with whole milk, a saline solution or saliva. Next, the tooth goes inside. It is important for people to remember this is only a temporary fix. Therefore, they need to contact a family dentist right away. By visiting a dental office quickly, there is a chance the dental professional can save the tooth.

Unsalvageable

Every family dentist shares the same goal — to save a patient’s permanent teeth. However, even with great effort, that is not always possible. In those instances, the dentist can suggest several remedies. Sometimes, the solution is to simply leave the patient without a tooth. Other times, it involves a bridge or a dental implant.

Seeing a dentist

Even when putting the tooth back in its socket, the individual needs to see a dentist quickly. As long as there is no severe damage to the root, there is a chance of saving it. The last thing someone wants to do is to do nothing. With so many advances, dental professionals can accomplish all kinds of things.

Lose a tooth?

There is no question that no one wants to have a tooth fall out. Especially when the family dentist is out of the office. Fortunately, most dental professionals are on call. That means aid is available virtually at any time. If you had a mishap, take action as soon as possible. It could make the difference in saving your tooth.

Request an appointment here: https://www.scmountaindental.com or call Brent C. Lay, DDS at (408) 500-0813 for an appointment in our Los Gatos office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

When To Seek Emergency Dental Care

Knowing when to seek emergency dental care can be tricky. While many dental issues are extremely time sensitive, others can be left for months with little risk.Some tooth problems, like cavities, are slow to change. If there is no pain and the dental issue is not the result of trauma, usually treatment can wait until…

Emergency Dentistry And The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disease: Important Sterilizing Procedures

Dental health professionals are responsible for providing a safe environment for emergency dentistry procedures during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease outbreak. Considering the risks of cross-infection in dental offices, the American Dental Association and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) have developed guidelines to control infections during any emergency dentistry care. This includes a thorough cleaning…

How To Alleviate Tooth Pain

Nobody wants to have to deal with tooth pain, but it is also one of those things most people have to endure from time to time. Toothaches are generally caused by trauma, tooth decay, or some other oral health issue.The best way to guarantee that a toothache goes away, and stays away, is by visiting…

General Dentistry Services From A Dentist Near You

A dentist practicing general dentistry can provide restorative and preventive services. General dentists concentrate on a broad range of procedures and treatments. They also treat patients of every age range. If you want to know the general dentistry services you can get from a dentist near you, here are the details.These dental procedures focus on…

Recent Posts

How Dental Crowns Are Used As A Dental Restoration

How Dental Crowns Are Used As A Dental Restoration

Dental crowns are one of the versatile restorations used in dentistry. Crowns are used to save damaged teeth that cannot be saved using less invasive procedures. Damage can occur to teeth at any time, leaving them severely compromised.Placing a crown on a tooth requires making permanent alterations by removing enamel to create a better fit.…

Tips For Comfort And Secure Attachment For New Dentures

Tips For Comfort And Secure Attachment For New Dentures

Dentures help some people regain their smiles without surgery. Breaking them in is important. It is the period of making your prosthesis a part of your life. Learning how to wear your dental prosthesis is important. If you want to find out how to maintain a secure and comfortable attachment for your dentures, here are…